Manchester United’s midfield plans have been dealt a double blow after Atalanta midfielder Ederson signed a contract extension following the collapse of his proposed £35m move, while Thomas Tuchel delivered a worrying injury update on Kobbie Mainoo.
United had agreed a £35m fee for the 27-year-old on 2 June, but the deal unravelled after a medical flagged an area of concern. Initial tests in the United States prompted further examination in England, involving specialists, after Ederson had returned from Brazil’s World Cup campaign – cut short by a last-16 defeat to Norway. The outcome led to United backing out of the transfer, though sources had indicated the deal could be revived later in the summer on different terms. Instead, Ederson extended his contract with Atalanta, with the Serie A side not disclosing the length of the new deal.
“Manchester United's midfield hit by Ederson transfer collapse after medical issue and Kobbie Mainoo injury update.”
Compounding United’s midfield worries, Thomas Tuchel has revealed that young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo did not play a single minute this summer, sparking concern at the club. The extent of the issue remains unclear, but the update adds to uncertainty over United’s options in the centre of the pitch.
United have recently signed midfielders Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, as well as goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United, but the club now faces questions over its depth as the new season approaches.